Thinking about my own assumptions and how they contribute to the creation of "otherness" has been an eye-opening journey inspired by insightful readings and TED talks. Wainana's satirical work "How to write about Africa" ​​highlights stereotypes about the African continent prevailing in Western literature. It made me realize how my own prejudices can unconsciously perpetuate these stereotypes and reduce different cultures and people to simplistic exotic caricatures. Likewise, Miner's anthropological satire, "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema," served as a reminder of how easily foreign customs and practices can be misinterpreted or misrepresented, reinforcing a sense of superiority or otherness TED Talks by Ngozi and Bart-Williams reinforced the dangers of single narratives and the importance of diverse perspectives to combat stereotypes. Ngozi's exploration of the implications of one story for African identity resonated deeply and prompted me to question the stories I consume and perpetuate. Bart-Williams' call to "change your channel" challenged me to actively seek out and engage with stories that challenge stereotypes and stigma. Thinking about these insights made me more aware of my own assumptions and the ways in which they contribute to the construction of 'otherness'. Whether through positive stereotypes that simplify and idealize certain groups or negative stigmas that marginalize and dehumanize others, I understand the need to examine and challenge these narratives. By actively seeking different perspectives, questioning single narratives and resisting the temptation to reduce complex identities to simple labels, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic conversation..